AG|WPJA The Artistic Guild of the WPJA

Judges Comment: The graphic appeal and light is really stunning. Great idea and great execution. A photograph I haven’t seen before is exciting. I don’t think I’ve even seen a photograph like this, at least not on initial view so I give these high points. There’s movement and depth, two things that are not so easy to distill in a still photo.

Judges Comment: This was a very creative approach to the ring details concept. I love the image but I would have cleaned up the little shell on the left hand side and possibly cooled the image just a bit. Still I think it is exceptionally creative. This image is clever and well executed. One could argue it’s not a ring detail but the image still works. I would suspect some would find the image unsettling (losing a diamond ring in the ocean). The timing of the foam waves and the crop might provide clues to the photographer’s intent. Either way, it’s a fun image.

Judges Comment: What this has going for it is it’s a detail of a ring, really filling the requirement of the category and it’s a lovely image in terms of color and focus. What’s blurred is as beautiful as what’s sharp. I like the negative space around the glass. The eye travels to the hero of the story, the ring which looks luscious.

Judges Comment: The shadow is fantastic and I love the concept. I might have cleaned up the stone or whatever it is adjacent to the hand on the left. This photo works because it’s clever and the frame is really well controlled. If I had a minor nitpick and had Photoshop available, I’d clone out what appears to be a dark bug or rock just outside the shadow of the hand on the left of the frame. Now this isn’t a great success in terms of “showing” a detail of a ring. Nonetheless, the photo works on its own. A concept shot that shows fun and creativity.

Judges Comment: Another very graphic image. The color and design is great. I wish there was greater depth of field in the ring on the left as it would make the image even stronger.

Judges Comment: I love the design and while the color is dramatic, it is a bit too intense and takes away from the rings. The edges of the flowers also bother me a bit and should have been taken down a little. A great color study. Vibrant and gorgeous. Again, don’t overdo the technique. Here the oversaturation adds to the fine use of light. Yet, less is more.

Judges Comment: Once again I spotted this B&W theoretical appearing image. I like the tone and color handling, the cropping of the car, the idea of wanting to see just a bit more of the woman’s face. She’s wearing a ring so I guess the image is fair game. There’s a European 1950’s feel to the image, which I guess is what makes it attractive to me. A found moment yields subtle detail and great seeing by the photographer.

Judges Comment: This is a wonderful approach to finding a detail. But there is too much negative space, so the gesture loses its impact.

Judges Comment: The most surprising of the detail images offering a promise of mystery and journey during a lifetime together. Creative and sophisticated illustration. It’s an excellent example of “seeing” by an observant and sensitive photographer.

Judges Comment: At first glance, this image looks like another of the many beautiful images submitted in this category. But it rises to the top because there are storytelling elements within the details – from the inscription in the rings to the cross between them. In that sense, it becomes more than just another beauty shot of rings.

Judges Comment: Another one of those supersaturated (perhaps slightly overdone) images that keeps the eye moving right toward the rings themselves. There were numerous images of rings and flowers. Most of them were excellent. Some of them were really beautiful. There is a luscious quality of light and color that I couldn’t escape. The circular patterns of the flower mimicking the rings made for the right mix of elements.

Judges Comment: Although there are many elements that distract my attention from the rings, I still enjoyed viewing this photography. I love the color of the leaves against the textured background, but the limited focus is distracting.

Judges Comment: Lots of photos of rings on fruit, but this was the most successful. Brilliant red cherries explode against the stark white dress. Uncomplicated yet compelling composition. This was a strong category. Photographers found a lot of creative ways to photograph rings but I tossed images that looked like they were meant for a jewelry store ad and favored those with the most creative. I liked the fact that this image incorporated other elements of the event.

Judges Comment: In this category, the “concept” images did not often work as well as those compositions of elegant simplicity. The background is really burned, and that might bother others. Don’t overdo it would be my advice.

Judges Comment: I really appreciate this creative take on the necessary ring photo. Although the focus is shallow, there is plenty of detail to enjoy. The ant is brilliant ... and it provides scale!

Judges Comment: Sentimental and entertaining. Photo booth strips are treasured keepsakes for a lot of folks. The reason I chose this image is it tells a story and creates a moment rather than becoming just another “beauty shot.” It also made me smile.

Judges Comment: A great idea. The angle is an interesting choice, but the man’s hand is too dominant. You need more detail on the bride to finish telling the story.